The President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and the entire AANI family, warmly celebrates Major-General Lawrence A. Onoja, CFR, PhD, mni (RTD) (SEC 12, 1990), on the joyous occasion of his birthday today, Monday, 10th August, 2026.
Major-General Lawrence is a retired Nigerian Army officer and statesman who served as Military Governor of Plateau State from 1986 to 1988 and Katsina State from 1988 to 1989. He also served as Principal Staff Officer to General Ibrahim Babangida and later held several senior military appointments, including General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, Jos, and Principal Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence. He also served as President of AANI from 2013 to 2017, contributing to the advancement of the Association and the ideals of the National Institute.
After his retirement from the Nigerian Army, he served as a board member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and, in 2009, was appointed Chairman of the National Institute for Sports. He holds a PhD in International Law and Diplomacy and an M.Sc. in Political Science from the University of Jos, as well as a degree in Political Science from Cameron University, Oklahoma.
AANI celebrates Major-General Lawrence for his untainted military career, enduring contributions to public service and national development and prays that God Almighty will continue to bless him with sound health, renewed strength, wisdom and peace; grant him many more fulfilling years, and continue to uphold him with grace, joy and fulfilment in the years ahead.
Yours Towards a Better Society,
Engr. Ifeanyi Jude Ngama, mni
National Publicity Secretary,
AANI,
Monday, 10th August, 2026.